Quote:
Originally Posted by kkimball
Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.
If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.
Q: Why don't cyclists stick to the MMPs?
A: The MMPs are great for a casual ride, but the frequent stops and corners make for a slow ride. Many cyclists prefer the open roads because they can go faster and get a better workout.
Q: Why do people ride bikes when it's so dangerous?
A: Every activity has some amount of risk. Cyclists know and have accepted the risk. My opinion is that The Villages is safer than other areas because motorists are more accustomed to seeing cyclists on the road.
Q: Why do cyclists ride down the middle of the lane?
A: Because they don't want to be passed in *their* lane. Motorists should move to the lane on the left before passing a cyclist in the right lane and only pass when it's safe. Please be patient and always give cyclists at least 3-feet of clearance when passing.
Q: Why don't cyclists follow the rules of the road?
A: They absolutely should, but like motorists, cyclists sometimes don't pay attention as much as they should or outright skirt the rules.
Q: Why don't cyclists have more lights so seeing them is easier?
A: They should. Brighter tail lights and headlights are a good idea. When riding earlier or later in the day, wearing bright colored LED lights is also a good idea.
Q: What happened to ABC cyclist that got hit on XYZ road?
A: Most accidents are not widely reported.
Q: Why are cyclists so arrogant?
A: Cyclists are people, and some of them are arrogant. Most are not, in my experience.
These are my opinions and observations. I'm happy to hear yours.
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About riding down the middle of the lane. If I am in a car behind a bicyclist and they are going as fast as the flow of cars are going ( say 35 in a posted 30 mph road because people go OVER the speed limit often) (or say 25 in a posted 20 mph road) then I have no problem staying behind that cyclist. However, if they are going 15 mph on a 30 mph road, then I and most other vehicle drivers are going to WANT to pass them.
.......I do not want to drive close to and endanger a cyclist. But, I would appreciate if they would move to their inside right (to be considerate of me) and I will move to my left when I pass (to be considerate of them). There should be a yard or more distance apart that way.
.......If a cyclist that is going slowly stays in the middle of the lane, then we will BOTH be delayed (going slowly) and I will have to wait until there is no oncoming traffic before I can pass.
.........When I ride a bicycle I know that I am SLOWER than the cars even in a residential area, so I ALWAYS move to the right. I go WAY to the right, even if I have to go about 1 foot onto someone's grass. Sorry grass, but I am more important than you. And I don't trust vehicles to pass me safely - I have had TOO many close calls even as a younger biker. I would even stop if I had to and wait until my road or street was clear. I have seen the older drivers here in cars or even golf cars weave far off the right edge of a street - they lose concentration easily.
........so, in conclusion.......I would NOT ride a bike down the middle of a road unless I could see behind me for a long-distance